In 1996, there were 633 homicide offences reported in Canada, an increase of 45 homicides from 1995. The 1996 homicide rate of 2.11 per 100,000 population was 6% higher than the rate in 1995, following four consecutive annual declines. Despite the increase over the previous year, the 1996 rate was the third lowest since 1969.

Since 1961, there have been two distinct trends. Between 1961 and 1975, the homicide rate increased steadily from 1.3 per 100,000 population to a peak of 3.0, an increase of 131%. From 1975 to 1996, despite yearly fluctuations, the homicide rate has gradually declined from 3.0 per 100,000 to 2.11, a decrease of 30%.

Homicides continue to account for less than 1% of all violent crimes reported by police.

The U.S. homicide rate (7.5) has historically been three to four times higher than that of Canada, however the U.S. rate has also been recently declining. Canada's homicide rate continues to be higher than many European countries.

Alberta's 1996 homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 population was 10% below the national rate of 2.11 and the lowest recorded in Alberta since 1993 (1.82). Between 1995 and 1996, the Alberta homicides rate decreased 12.8%. Alberta recorded 53 homicides in 1996 compared to 60 in 1995.